Image: Sam Kuperus | DOC
Historic stone building with a pitched red roof and flag pole.
Skippers Campsite

Located in Skippers area in the Otago region

This is a standard campsite in the Queenstown/Wakatipu area. Camp within scenic rocky natural features on terraces around an old cemetery and school. Bike, walk, tramp or hunt to explore the area.

Behind Mt Aurum Homestead you’ll find a self-registration booth, flush toilets and running water.

Don't camp adjacent to the homestead/school area. The flush toilets are closed in winter; two pit toilets are available nearby.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. 

Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book. 

Bookings

Bookings for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Friday 15 May 2026.  

  • If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
  • No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking.
  • Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
  • Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

Online bookings are required all year.

Book Skippers Campsite online.

17.5 km north of Queenstown, off Skippers Road near Coronet Peak. Gravel access.

Skippers Road is winding and has steep drop-offs. 4WD is recommended. Rental cars are generally prohibited.

Location

Grid reference: NZTM2000, E1258674-N5025449
Latitude: -44.84264845, Longitude: 168.68112312

The historic site is protected - the removal of any material is illegal. 

During high winds small-sized branches are falling out of dead trees within the densely forested pine stands in Mount Aurum Recreation Reserve. Avoid areas of dead trees during high winds.

Be ready for unplanned road closures

Unplanned road closures can happen during and after wet weather due to slips on the Skippers Road. Contact Queenstown Lakes District Council on +64 3 4410499 for road updates.

If you have a campsite booking and the road is closed, contact the Queenstown DOC Visitor Centre.

Choosing a safe tent site

For your safety we recommend not camping under the trees at this campsite.